Algaecide help please!!

kbranford

Active member
May 8, 2025
25
cameron, NC
Pool Size
14552
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
I have a 24 ft round above ground pool. Was green when I opened it 2 weeks ago. After multiple shocks and chlorine tabs still green. Didn’t know any better and added two gallons of Clorox treat algae and now I’m reading how bad that was. How do I get my pool clear?IMG_9206.jpeg
 

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Welcome to TFP! :wave: Unfortunately, everything you've done thus far is probably hurting you. :( Tabs, algaecides, and shock products will not kill and remove algae. That can only be done with the proper amount of liquid chlorine and it must be balanced to the stabilizer level (CYA) accordingly. We follow the SLAM Process to kill/remove algae.

But now you may have other issues with the products you've added. The remedy is proper at-home water testing. Do you have a TF-100/Pro-Series test kit? A Taylor K-2006C kit perhaps? If not, you really must get one of those first. Everything you do, and the advice received here at TFP, is based on accurate numbers from one of those kits.

Keep in mind that if your water is complicated by algaecides that have copper or a high CYA level, a water exchange to some degree may be your best and first option. But with a full set of accurate water test results we can help.
 
Thank you so much for your quick response. I unfortunately do not have either test kit but I did order the tf-100, it should be here Saturday. Until then what should I do? I run the filter 24/7. Should I start to vacuum to waste and add water or wait to know levels ? Ugh so frustrated with myself for just dumping all that Crud in.
 
Get one of the kits we recommend. Link-.>Test Kits Compared
Go to wal mart and get 10 gallons of liquid chlorine. "Pool Essentials Liquid Chlorine."
While you are waiting for the kit:
  • Add 1/2 a gallon per DAY of liquid chlorine until the test kit arrives. Nothing Else.
  • Download pool math. It is a tool that will help you with chemical additions. Link-->PoolMath
  • Configure pool math for your pool, 14,000 gallons. Use your TFP login/password. In the config, enable sharing with TFP...that way we can see your results.
  • Post pictures of the pool and equipment so we can see the condition of the water and your equipment.
When the kit arrives, Post a full set of results. FC, CC, pH, TA, CH, CYA.

This is what TFP pools look like. Link-->How Clear is TFP Clear?

You Got This Good Luck Today GIF by MOODMAN
 
Get one of the kits we recommend. Link-.>Test Kits Compared
Go to wal mart and get 10 gallons of liquid chlorine. "Pool Essentials Liquid Chlorine."
While you are waiting for the kit:
  • Add 1/2 a gallon per DAY of liquid chlorine until the test kit arrives. Nothing Else.
  • Download pool math. It is a tool that will help you with chemical additions. Link-->PoolMath
  • Configure pool math for your pool, 14,000 gallons. Use your TFP login/password. In the config, enable sharing with TFP...that way we can see your results.
  • Post pictures of the pool and equipment so we can see the condition of the water and your equipment.
When the kit arrives, Post a full set of results. FC, CC, pH, TA, CH, CYA.

This is what TFP pools look like. Link-->How Clear is TFP Clear?

You Got This Good Luck Today GIF by MOODMAN
Ok I’ll head out shortly and get that going. Appreciate all the info and help.
 
Welcome to TFP! :wave: Unfortunately, everything you've done thus far is probably hurting you. :( Tabs, algaecides, and shock products will not kill and remove algae. That can only be done with the proper amount of liquid chlorine and it must be balanced to the stabilizer level (CYA) accordingly. We follow the SLAM Process to kill/remove algae.

But now you may have other issues with the products you've added. The remedy is proper at-home water testing. Do you have a TF-100/Pro-Series test kit? A Taylor K-2006C kit perhaps? If not, you really must get one of those first. Everything you do, and the advice received here at TFP, is based on accurate numbers from one of those kits.

Keep in mind that if your water is complicated by algaecides that have copper or a high CYA level, a water exchange to some degree may be your best and first option. But with a full set of accurate water test results we can help.
Thank you so much for your quick response. I unfortunately do not have either test kit but I did order the tf-100, it should be here Saturday. Until then what should I do? I run the filter 24/7. Should I start to vacuum to waste and add water or wait to know levels ? Ugh so frustrated with myself for just dumping all that Crud in.
 
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You can run the filter, just watch the pressures. Clean the filter, note clean pressure. When pressure rises 25%, clean again.
You can vacuum to waste, and BRUSH. All will help.
 
Pressure gauge is not working. Reads zero at all times. Waiting on response on how to replace or fix.
Understood. You can still begin the tedious task of removing visible debris from the pool. Yes, vacuuming to waste is fine. SInce you don't have a working guage at the moment, you can run it on filter for a while, then do a backwash to be safe. Or run it on recirculate if you're going to be away for a while.

The site tfteskits.net also has good quality glycerin gauges, so you might consider one of those. Of course you can order one off of Amazon as well. They are usually easy to replace by unscrewing and screwing back in by hand. Have some Teflon tape available to wrap the threads of the new gauge. If you have questions, post back here and show us some pics too.
 

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Get one of the kits we recommend. Link-.>Test Kits Compared
Go to wal mart and get 10 gallons of liquid chlorine. "Pool Essentials Liquid Chlorine."
While you are waiting for the kit:
  • Add 1/2 a gallon per DAY of liquid chlorine until the test kit arrives. Nothing Else.
  • Download pool math. It is a tool that will help you with chemical additions. Link-->PoolMath
  • Configure pool math for your pool, 14,000 gallons. Use your TFP login/password. In the config, enable sharing with TFP...that way we can see your results.
  • Post pictures of the pool and equipment so we can see the condition of the water and your equipment.
When the kit arrives, Post a full set of results. FC, CC, pH, TA, CH, CYA.

This is what TFP pools look like. Link-->How Clear is TFP Clear?

You Got This Good Luck Today GIF by MOODMAN
Ok so new gauge is on and working. Been dumping 1/2 gallon daily along with brushing and vacuuming. Had gotten a ton of rain the last few days so that has helped with the water exchange. Fixin to do the tests now but have never used them before. I hope I do it correctly. This is the test kit I got. I hope it’s the right one. IMG_9309.png
 
Ok so new gauge is on and working. Been dumping 1/2 gallon daily along with brushing and vacuuming. Had gotten a ton of rain the last few days so that has helped with the water exchange. Fixin to do the tests now but have never used them before. I hope I do it correctly. This is the test kit I got. I hope it’s the right one. View attachment 645876
IMG_9207.jpeg
 
I have the Taylor k 2006C test kit. I have tested FC and that came out to 4.0, the CC was nothing, stayed clear. PH is below the 7.0. I have no clue what I am doing. Any suggestions on videos or step by step instructions to follow?
 
Ok quick question. I am going through the steps of testing the levels.
FC. 3.6
CC. 0
PH 7.0 after 40 drops of 0006
ALK I started the test. Put 2 drops of 0007, then 5 of 0008 and it turned pink , not green like it said it should. What do I do next ?
 
For the FC and CC test, use 10mL sample and each drop is .5 FC. Will save reagent.

Forget R-0006.
Post a picture of the pH test in the comparator and your assessment of pH level.
If the sample turns red, pink, or yellow, you are done, your TA is zero, and your PH is very very low (4.5 or lower).
Use Soda Ash aka Washing Soda. Calculate how much to use using Poolmath. Set pH of 6.8 now and 7.5 as target. Enter 0 for TA. Add amount it states and circulate 30 minutes. Test pH, repeat until your pH is in the 7's, then test TA,.
 

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